Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-05-26
The National Encampment.

The event Yesterday was the parade OF
the troops in camp, except those detailed TO
do guard duty, and the review By the Pres
ident of the United States. The procession
presented brilliant spectacle, the different
uniforms afording pleasing variety The
troops marched past in company front,
twenty.six men to platoon, ana as eeu-
eral thing they marched well.
1t had been arranged that the Vicksburg
Southrons should follow the Washington
Cadets, q colored company. The Southrons
protested and dropped out of the line.
Their example was followed by the Mem
phis Zouaves These two companies fol-
lowed the main body aud passed in review
as separate contingent. In explanation OF
his conduct Capt. Searles, of the Soulhrons,
said at is all on account of the company
of 'niggers' which marched in front of
us. When the question was raised as to
allowing colored companies in the drill
Mr.. DeLeon wrote me that We would not
be associated in any way with the colored
troops. and it was on this assurance that we
came to the drill. Yesterday colored
company drilled before us. We didntmind
that, but when it came to placing this or
ganization of colored people right before Us,
then we objected. / asked the officer com
handing the Washington Light Iufantry,
who were Immediately in front of the ne
groes, to change places but he would not
oblige us. We spoke to Major Sheffield,
commanding our division. aboutit, but as
nothing was done We decided to drop out,
and the Memphis Zouaves followed Us"
Company competitions commenced to day
at 10 a. IN. Among the competitors were
Louisiana Rifles, of New Orleans and
the Washington Light Infantry.
There will be an unusually fine pro-
eramme given tomorrow. The list Of COM
petitors includes some Of the best companies
in camp, and the drill of tho Alexandra
Light Infantry will be Of special interest 10
Alexandrians Drilling will be commenced
at 10 o'clock by the indianapolis Light In
fantry who will he followed at 1870 by the
Alexandria Light Infantry. The other
companies competing will be the jack
son Rifles, Michigan Moiineux Rifles,
New York Belknap Rifles and the San
Antonio Rifles, Texas; Lomax Rifles, Ala
bama, and the Sheridan Guards, New
Hampshire.
The movements to be executed are as
follows: The company will march upon the
parade ground and halt; then, by right
oblque, forward, tours left, and tours right
come into company front, halt, and salute
the Judges. Bayonets will be fixed, arms
stacked and the foot movements without
arms begun with right about marching and
haliing, forward, obliquing and parade rest,
attention, forward, right about, file right
about, march to the rear, about, double time,
right about in double time and halt. The
command take arms" will be given, bayo-
nets will be unfxed, and the manual ofarms
begun. Then will follow loading and firing
in double ranks, by files, kneeling and ~.
ing down. The foot movements will be
then proceeded with, marching in column
Of fours fours into line, right and left wheel
ing in common, quick, and double time,
tours right, fours right and left about in
quick and double time, marching in files,
| sc. Then will follow loading and firing,
kneeling, blank cartridges being used.
At 4 o'clock the individual contests will
be held with nearly one hundred men. A
man will be dropped rs soon as he makes
mistake and the drilling continued until all
are out but one. Dress parade will take
place at 5 o'clock.
Twenty-Five cents is charged for admia-
sion TO the drill grounds and twenty five
cents additional is the price of chairs on the
platform.